What is the primary role of Free Living Soil Bacteria in nutrient cycling?

The primary role of Free Living Soil Bacteria in nutrient cycling is centered around their ability to convert nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants and other organisms. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, is crucial for soil fertility, as atmospheric nitrogen is abundant but not accessible to most living organisms in its gaseous form. Free living bacteria, such as Azotobacter and Clostridium, have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into ammonia or related compounds that plants can absorb.

This function is essential for promoting healthy plant growth and maintaining ecosystem productivity. While other roles such as decomposing organic matter and regulating soil pH are also important in the broader context of nutrient cycling, the focus of free living soil bacteria on nitrogen transformation highlights their vital contribution to nutrient cycling specifically related to nitrogen availability in soils.